MURPHY TOWN, Bahamas -- The ruling Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) candidate Renardo Curry soundly defeated the opposition Free National Movement (FNM) candidate Greg Gomez in Abaco, The Bahamas, on Monday, capturing the seat that was an FNM stronghold for over two decades.

“This is a magnificent victory,” Prime Minister Perry Christie said during a mini-victory rally on Monday night shortly after it became clear that Curry would be declared the winner.

Curry received 2,367 votes, Gomez received 1,513 votes and Bahamas Constitution Party (BCP) candidate Ali McIntosh 7 votes, according to the unofficial results from the Parliamentary Registration Department.

In the May 7 general election, Curry lost to former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham by 379 votes. Curry received 132 more votes last night than Ingraham did in the general election.

Christie said Curry’s turn-around was astonishing.

“We nearly tripled the numbers. That’s one hell of a statement. We came in strength and people saw a strong PLP team. We had a strong message, a message of hope,” Christie said.

“They keep underestimating me. Every time they do that we give them this,” he said, punching his hands to demonstrate blows.

Christie added that Monday's win was the icing on the cake for the PLP. The party won 29 of 38 seats at the general election. With the North Abaco win, the PLP now holds 30 seats in the House of Assembly.

Christie said he will reveal Curry’s position in the government sometime next week. He gave no further information but emphasized that Curry’s will play a very important role in his government.

“We are going to show the people of North Abaco why he was the right choice,” Christie said, referring to Curry.

Curry told The Guardian on Wednesday night that he was humbled by the overwhelming show of support. He thanked God, his family and the people of North Abaco for believing in him.

Curry said he will work hard to make the people of North Abaco proud they voted for him.

In a statement last night the PLP expressed gratitude to the residents of North Abaco for their vote of confidence and gesture of good will.

“The PLP government is committed to the construction of three new pre-school units, repaved roads and the introduction of urban renewal in the communities of North Abaco well in advance of today’s by-election and will resolutely move ahead with those commitments,” said the party.

“The PLP supports these government initiatives as vital to the sustained growth, development, safety and security of Abaco.”

Curry is expected to be sworn in as a member of Parliament in the House on Wednesday.

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